Denver's offense vs. Seattle's defense is a legendary matchup for the ages. But Seattle's offense vs. Denver's defense is the matchup that will probably decide this game, and the Seahawks have the advantage of being better and healthier.

The secret to this year's NFC Championship game is that the Seattle defense played like more than the sum of its parts this year ... and the San Francisco defense played like a bit less than the sum of its parts.

In Seattle Saturday afternoon, everything is coming up Seahawks except recent playoff history. For Carolina's rematch with San Francisco, the difference may be the players who didn't get on the field nine weeks ago.

The Colts and Patriots meet for the 11th season in a row, but is New England still too balanced and well-coached for an Indianapolis upset? On Sunday, another rested Peyton Manning team will take on a hot sixth seed. This AFC slate sounds too familiar.